Champions League Team of the Week: October 23-24

The latest round of Champions League fixtures was by far the most memorable, and exciting group of matches from Europe's elite club competition so far this season.

16 games, 43 goals, and no shortage of shock results, made for an enthralling couple of evenings entertainment, even if it was a week to forget for the majority of the Premier League participants.

On Tuesday, reigning champions Chelsea lost 2-1 in Ukraine, against an impressive Shakhtar Donetsk side, while Manchester United made hard work of edging past Portuguese minnows Braga 3-2, after going two goals down at Old Trafford.

The following evening Manchester City lost 3-1 against Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena, and Arsenal ended their nine-year unbeaten home record against foreign opponents, with a lacklustre 2-0 defeat at the hands of Schalke.

Still, there was no shortage of both collective, and individual stand-out performances from teams right across the continent. Here GiveMeFootball presents its Champions League Team of the Week…

Goalkeeper | Petr Cech (Chelsea)

The Czech stopper was powerless to prevent the Blues from losing at the Donbass Arena, but the result could have been far worse for Roberto di Matteo's side, had it not been for a string of impressive saves.

Defender | Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland)

The 20-year-old Ivorian continues to impress at the heart of the Danish minnows' defence, he successful snuffed out the majority of danger that Juventus possessed, earning his side a memorable draw against the Serie A giants.

Defender | Benedikt Howedes (Schalke)

The German international led by example, captaining the Bundesliga side to a memorable victory over Arsenal. A clean-sheet at the Emirates is not to be sniffed at!

Defender | Niklas Moisander (Ajax)

The Finnish stopper did a fine job in nullifying the threat from Manchester City, and more specifically Edin Dzeko. His goal helped Ajax towards an impressive victory against the Premier League champions.

Right-midfield | Jefferson Farfan (Schalke)

The Peruvian may not have got on the scoresheet against Arsenal, but he was at the centre of everything Schalke offered in attack. He gave Andre Santos a torrid time at left-back, and provided the assist for Ibrahim Afellay to confirm the victory.

Midfield | Alan (Braga)

A stand-out performer at Old Trafford, the Brazilian scored twice to put Braga two-up after just 20 minutes, and received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters when he was substituted late in the second-half.

Midfield | Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Extremely productive going forward, the Brazilian's solid performance where he picked passes for fun was topped with an exquisite finish for the match-winner against Chelsea.

Left-midfield | Christian Eriksen (Ajax)

Clever on the ball, and with an eye for the killer pass, the Danish starlet impressed against City, and proved once again why he has attracted attention from a host of Premier League clubs. Performance rewarded with a well-taken third goal.

Attacking-midfield | Willian (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Full of tricks and flicks, the Brazilian was Shakhtar's creative hub against Chelsea. A move to the Premier League, having been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham, surely beckons.

Striker | Roberto Soldado (Valencia)

A first-half penalty and two second-half goals completed a magnificent hat-trick against BATE Borisov to cap an impressive night's work for the Spanish striker.

Striker | Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

Chicharito inspired the Red Devils comeback by starting and finishing the home side's scoring with two well-taken headers, giving Sir Alex Ferguson another selection headache when it comes to picking his forward line for the weekend clash against Chelsea.

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